Three attacking duos highlight this week's SBI MLS Best XI, with Portland, New York and D.C. United being represented after their teams posted impressive romps in Week Five.
SBI Player of the Week Khalif Alhassan and teammate Jack Jewsbury got the nod, as did New York strike force of Thierry Henry and Luke Rodgers. Charlie Davies impressed in his first D.C. United start, while Chris Pontius' two-goal performance earned him a place.
Here is the full SBI MLS Best XI for Week 5:
Honorable Mention– Matt Pickens, Heath Pearce, Hunter Freeman, Jamison Olave, Javier Morales, Teemu Tainio, Osvaldo Alonso, Miguel Lopez, Marco Pappa, Jorge Perlaza, Carlos Ruiz
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The toughest call this week? Choosing between Davies and Jorge Perlaza. It really was a toss-up, but I suppose Perlaza's lack of impact in Portland's win against FC Dallas might have cost him. That said, both were deserving, as were Henry and Rogers. Heath Pearce and Marco Pappa were also strong considerations this week. Actually, this week's Honorable Mention squad is probably the strongest of the season.
What do you think of these selections? Who's missing that you think should have made the team?
Share your thoughts below.
im sure you can do that on your playstation :/
5 goals in 5 games.. if he keeps this up he SHOULD get a USA callup.
Also 2 UCSB Gaucho alum in the XI as well 🙂
Paolo Cardozo of LA was better than Robbie Rogers.
three Terp alums in the starting XI. love it.
Absolute joy to see Timbers players getting mentioned. Still feels surreal the team is now playing in top-flight soccer. *Joy*
Agreed on the speed and runs – there were a few times that he closed on defenders so quickly that they panicked. You can tell they were not used to playing against that kind of speed and aggression. It was great to see a forward trying to put himself in a position to score or draw defenders each and every time.
Entirely agree that Teemu should be on the starting 11; Rafa Marquez should probably be there as well — he has been the rock on a defense that has given up two goals so far on two mental mistakes, one by the other CB and one by the GK.
As a DCU fan, I was skeptical of Charlie up until the last game, fully realizing he had hardly impressed and his league-leading goal tally really didn’t say much. I was actually getting pissed off about his stupid celebrations and somewhat cocky attitude. But after the last game, he looks great. Can’t wait for Thursday for his first real test.
You clearly didn’t watch the Dynamo game.
yeah Rutgers!
I love the fact that there are 3 former Maryland Terrapins in best XI!
Pontius was intriguing before his injuries last year, glad to him back and healthy.
If the SBI Best XI were to play the Honorable Mention XI, I wonder what the result would be?
2 DCU players in the XI best – been a long time since that happened! Hope is alive for the black and red!
thanks! great work btw…
I agree. I think Ives got this one wrong. Teemu has been one of the best additions to MLS and he was superb on Saturday. Backe called him the MOTM and Opta tells us he’s the best passer in the league. However, I’m totally biased toward NY…In fact, I’d be happy with all 11 Red Bulls as TOTW–they were that good on Sat.
(SBI-You act like we ignore Tainio. He’s been first team Best XI two or three times and earned honorable mention this week.)
As another neutral and guy who’s been on the “slow down” bandwagon a while, I was also really impressed with charlie. The main thing is, the dude looked fast. Faster than anyone on the field. I had to see it with my own eyes but he looks like he’s actually recovered from this thing.
Clearly still a little rusty and not quite where he was before, but, for the first time, I’m also really optimistic that he can be a difference maker for the nats again. What a crazy story.
Once the roster is selected, it’s set. Players can leave, but I don’t think that they can be replaced in the course of the tournament.
Dilly Duka had a very solid game for the Crew against SKC, including an assist and dangerous runs down the right flank. Keep an eye on him for future consideration. He looks to be on the verge…..
PKs
Davies is looking unstoppable.
I haven’t watched the games so I have no idea if they are luck, poaching, or brilliance, but I’ll take whatever combination he is using to score in every game every time.
Welcome back to the national team Charlie. Make the most of it.
I’d be surprised if we didn’t at least see him in the Spain friendly.
Can someone please tell me — How does the Gold Cup roster work? Does it get locked-in up front, for the entire tournament? Or can players be changed in & out game by game throughout the competition?
What a comeback. What an inspiration.
Nice to see Dan Kennedy get some recognition. He played out of his skin in the game against the ‘Caps.
ives, what happened?? no one or two line commentary on each pick. i personally only viewed the timbers match and read up enough on the red bulls and dc match. other than those players, i dont have much perspective on why the others where chosen. the prior commentary was helpful. not sure if others share the same view, but consider adding it back for the next edition. thanks.
(SBI-I’ll add them here eventually, been a really busy few days in LA so I’m wiped out, but did want to at least post the selections so folks could discuss.)
As a neutral fan watching the game, I almost exclusively watched Davies the entire match.
The kid is getting close…
He made fantastic, sharp & dangerous runs almost the full 90 minutes. To be honest, and it’s not a shot at the DC players, but if he had better service or more balls played to him he could very well of had 4 goals, based off his positioning & angled runs that weren’t rewarded.
Definitely some hints of rust, at times. Certainly some signs of fitness still coming back. Absolutely showing elements of the Charlie we fell in love with.
Before anyone tells me to “slow down there” on the speculation/projections: I’m fully aware I’m being optomistic in saying this. Based on what I saw, if he’s able to continue getting starts/90 minutes & doesn’t have any injury set-backs: he’s representing our country in the Gold Cup.
I’d put my hard earned money on it, too.
I have to ask, as I didn’t see the DC game. Did Charlie look dangerous throughout?
Franco Coria should have received a mention of some sort. He was the rock that kept Houston out of the back of the net and after his substitution, the Revs lost a goal. This guy’s the real deal, and paired with Soares, New England have solidified what looked like a lost-cause of a back line last year.
Charlie Charlie!!! 😀
Agreed. He neutralized everything San Jose tried to do. Dominant performance. I would call him red Bulls player of the season so far.
+1. Steady going every game.
Almost feel that Teemu Taino is overlooked on this list. Arguably the best player on the field for the Red Bulls last week.
(SBI-He’s on our honorable mention, and would probably be on MLS Best XI team through first month of season.)